“The best ideas come from many minds with multiple perspectives and varying life experiences.  That’s what excites me about the work of archi-treasures.  They are the vehicle for these great minds throughout Chicago to express their voice through participatory design.”

–Julianne Scherer-Johnson

Since 1996, archi-treasures has:

• Impacted 26 communities in Chicago
• Facilitated 82 community design charette workshops
• Completed 95 community projects
• Hired over 180 artists and architects
• Employed over 865 low-income youth
• Deployed 1940 volunteers

The impact of archi-treasures work is deep and wide. Participants in archi-treasures projects:

• Feel that they are more socially connected
• Are proud of where they live
• Are engaged with their community and understand the importance of volunteerism

archi-treasures outcomes include:

• Activate outdoor community space
• Gain knowledge of community assets (people and places)
• Gain skills in teambuilding, critical thinking, presentation and job readiness
• Increase self-confidence in youth and community residents
• Increase pride in community
• Increase understanding of the importance of community contribution
• Engage multi-leveled community participation
• Adults gain appreciation of youth
• Youth, community exposure to creative professionals

Long term outcomes:

• Increased social capital within communities
• Less isolated creative community
• Safe outdoor space
• Increased economic development

We are proud of these accomplishments, and their effect on the communities in which we work, and encourage you to join us as we continue our work.